News

Kangaroo survey welcome but not a silver bullet

Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan says a survey to identify where motorists are hitting kangaroos is a positive step forward.

But Ms Ryan is calling on the government to take meaningful action to address the kangaroo population, which she has described as ‘out of control’.

The survey will use GPS technology to log the location of dead kangaroos and wombats to pinpoint where wildlife is a hazard to motorists.

“The government’s decision to initiate this trial in response to my calls for urgent action on the number of car accidents resulting from kangaroos is welcome, but much more needs to be done.

“I’m pleased Labor has finally acknowledged there is a problem in regional Victoria, but in truth we don’t need more statistics to tell us that there is a major problem in our area.

“I’m certain that the trial, if undertaken properly, will bear out the anecdotal evidence from local motorists who do everything they can to avoid driving at dawn and dusk when kangaroos are most active.

“Areas like the Northern Hwy around Heathcote, the Hume Fwy and the Murchison-Rushworth Rd where I narrowly missed two kangaroos last week are a real concern.

“VicRoads could talk to local residents and do a simple review of insurance claims to pinpoint some of these locations,” Ms Ryan said.

Ms Ryan said Labor needed to issue more permits to control kangaroo numbers and strategically fence major roads to reduce the risk of fatal accidents.

The previous Coalition Government implemented a trial that allowed legally harvested kangaroo carcasses to be processed for pet food, instead of being buried and left to rot.

“The trial is due to expire at the end of March and Labor still hasn’t said whether or not it will make it permanent to ensure kangaroos harvested under permits are not wasted,” Ms Ryan said.